Ham steak in the air fryer is one of the most affordable dinners you can make. Because ham is already cooked, you can heat it up in just 10 minutes. With brown sugar and pineapple on top, this dish tastes like the holidays any time of the year.
The Ninja Foodi is the ultimate multi-cooker that can pressure cook, air fry, sear, steam, slow cook, and more With its versatility and ability to cook foods quickly, it’s a great appliance for cooking ham steak
Ham steak is a cut from the leg of the pig that’s savory, salty, and packs a ton of flavor. While typically baked or pan-fried, the Ninja Foodi allows you to make tender and juicy ham steak easily at home.
In this complete guide, learn how to cook ham steak in the Ninja Foodi to perfection.
Benefits of Cooking Ham Steak in the Ninja Foodi
The Ninja Foodi offers several advantages for cooking ham steak
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Quick cooking – The pressure cooker setting significantly reduces cook time compared to oven baking. Ham steak can be ready start to finish in under 30 minutes.
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Juicy results – Pressure cooking seals in moisture. The ham steak turns out tender and juicy, not dry or tough.
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Easy cleanup – With all cooking contained in the pot, there’s minimal mess. The nonstick pot also makes cleaning a breeze.
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Versatile finishes – After pressure cooking, you can crisp and caramelize the outside of the ham with the air fry or sear function.
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Flavor infusion – Pressure cooking forces seasonings and aromatics deep into the meat for maximum flavor.
With the Ninja Foodi, you don’t have to wait over an hour for baked ham. With a quick pressure cook and optional crisping, you can enjoy perfect ham steak any night of the week!
Ingredients Needed
Cooking ham steak in the Ninja Foodi is simple. You just need:
- 1-2 lbs ham steak, about 1/2 inch thick
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1-2 tbsp brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup (optional)
- Spices and seasonings of your choice
That’s it! The ham steak can be bone-in or boneless – both work equally well. For best results, choose ham steaks that are on the thicker side, at least 1/2 inch.
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these easy steps for foolproof ham steak from your Ninja Foodi:
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Season the ham steak: Pat the ham dry and season both sides with your choice of spices. Black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and mustard powder all work well.
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Add liquid to pot: Pour the chicken broth or water into the pressure cooker pot. The liquid helps create steam and cook the ham steak evenly.
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Place ham in pot: Lay the seasoned ham steaks in the pot in a single layer.
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Pressure cook: Close and lock the lid, and pressure cook on high for just 6-8 minutes (adjust time as needed based on thickness).
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Quick release pressure: Once cooking is complete, quick release the pressure by turning the pressure release valve.
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Optional crisp: For crispy edges, brush with a glaze and air fry at 400°F for 3-5 minutes per side.
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Serve and enjoy! Slice into strips or cubes and serve.
The ham steak is now ready to be enjoyed! The pressure cooking keeps it tender and juicy.
Cooking Tips
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For thicker ham steaks, increase pressure cook time to 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness.
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Let the ham steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness; internal temp should reach 145°F.
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Add aromatics like garlic, onions, or bay leaves to the pot for extra flavor.
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Brush with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup before air frying for a sweet, sticky glaze.
Flavor Variations
One benefit of cooking ham steak in the Ninja Foodi is how easily you can impart different flavors. Try these tasty spice rubs:
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Bbq – Smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder
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Jerk – Cayenne, allspice, thyme, brown sugar
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Cajun – Paprika, garlic, onion/celery powder, oregano
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Maple-Dijon – Dijon mustard, maple syrup, thyme
Use your favorite dry rubs and glazes to customize the ham steak. Pressure cooking really helps absorb all that flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Ham steak pairs well with so many sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
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In breakfast tacos or sandwiches with eggs and cheese
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Diced up in twice-baked potatoes or scalloped potatoes
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On a fresh salad with vinaigrette and sweet peppers
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With roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts and carrots
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In pasta with peas and parmesan cheese
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On mini skewers as an appetizer with fruit like pineapple
However you choose to serve it, juicy ham steak cooked in the Ninja Foodi makes a quick and tasty meal any night of the week.
Common Questions
What size Ninja Foodi should I use?
The 6.5 quart or larger will accommodate 1-2 ham steaks. Size down for smaller yields.
How long does cooked ham steak last?
Store leftovers in fridge up to 4-5 days. Freeze extras up to 2-3 months for longer storage.
Is reheating pre-cooked ham steak safe?
Yes, reheating fully cooked ham steak using the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker or air fryer function is safe. Just reheat to 165°F.
Can I cook a whole ham steak packet?
Yes, for convenience you can pressure cook and crisp an entire vacuum sealed ham steak package. Adjust cook time as needed.
Should ham steak be thawed before cooking?
For best results, thaw frozen ham steak overnight in the fridge before cooking. Do not pressure cook frozen ham.
The Takeaway
The Ninja Foodi allows you to cook juicy, tender ham steaks easily at home with its pressure cooker setting, and optional air fry crisp. Experiment with different rubs and glazes to customize the flavor. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this savory cut of meat any night of the week.
Say goodbye to dry, tough ham steak with the Ninja Foodi’s moisture-locking pressure cook! Enjoy this classic with fun new flavors using your favorite multi-cooker appliance.
Side Dishes to serve with Air Fryer Ham Steak
Air Fryer Ham Steak Ingredients
Ham Steaks range in size from a 4 oz. thin slice to a 16 oz. bone-in inch thick slice! Your cook time will vary depending on what size you have. For a thin slice, it will only take 5 to 7 minutes to heat up. For a thick slice, it will take 7 to 10 minutes. Adjust your cook time accordingly.
For this recipe – you’ll need just three simple ingredients:
- 2 – 8 oz ham steaks
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 8 oz pineapple slices
